Legacy, Influence & the Power of Culture: Lessons from Kendrick Lamar & Madam C.J. Walker

🔔 Welcome to a special extra edition of Taylor’d for More! Since this is launch week, I wanted to share an additional message to celebrate the culmination of Black History Month and reflect on something that’s been on my mind lately: the power of influence and culture.

Over the past two weeks, my favorite thing to do has been watching people’s reactions to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance. Not dissecting the Easter eggs or breaking down the symbolism—there are plenty of people doing that already. But just observing the raw, undeniable impact of his presence, his words, his influence.

His performance drew an average of 133.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show in history. Additionally, within the first 24 hours, the official YouTube video racked up over 27 million views.

And why? Because real influence moves culture. It isn’t manufactured, forced, or algorithmically optimized. It’s built on something deeper: authenticity, cultural connection, and legacy.

In a world where our attention spans are getting shorter and trends burn out in days, true influence still stands the test of time. And this got me thinking—not just about today’s cultural icons, but about the Black pioneers who shaped history by moving culture forward.

Madam C.J. Walker: The Blueprint of Authentic Influence

More than a century before Kendrick dominated the stage, another Black visionary was redefining the game in her own way: Madam C.J. Walker.

Born to formerly enslaved parents, Walker started out as a washerwoman making barely a dollar a day. But she saw a need in her community—Black women struggling with hair loss and scalp conditions due to lack of proper products. Instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, she created the solution.

She built not just a product, but a movement, training thousands of women as entrepreneurs and using her wealth to uplift Black communities.

Her business wasn’t just about selling hair care—it was about empowerment. She understood that real influence isn’t about chasing trends but creating change. And because of that, her legacy still speaks today.

And no matter what obstacles, doubt, or negativity she faced, her influence superseded every attack.

That’s the thing about true influence—it always wins. It outlasts criticism, negativity, and even time itself.

Influence vs. Attention: What Lasts?

We live in an era where hot topics switch out in weeks, days, even hours. The internet churns out new debates, new viral moments, and new distractions faster than we can process them.

But the real question is: What lasts?

Kendrick’s Super Bowl moment was powerful not just because of the performance itself, but because of the years of work, impact, and authenticity that led up to it.

Just like Madam C.J. Walker’s success wasn’t just about selling hair products—it was about building a legacy that transformed generations.

The world is full of noise. Trends will come and go. But one thing remains:

🔥 You can’t fake influence.

How to Build Influence While Staying Authentic

So how do you create real influence—one that’s built on impact, not just visibility?

💡 1. Solve a real problem. Influence is never just about being seen—it’s about being needed. Walker created products that Black women couldn’t find anywhere else. Kendrick speaks to people in a way others can’t. Ask yourself: What problem do you solve that makes people come back to you?

💡 2. Stand firm in your values. It’s easy to follow trends, but real influence is built on consistency. People trust leaders who show up authentically over time. If you’re always switching your message to fit what’s trending, people won’t know what you stand for. What do you want to be known for 10 years from now? Lead with that.

💡 3. Make an impact beyond yourself. The most influential people don’t just shine alone—they bring others with them. Walker trained thousands of women as entrepreneurs. Kendrick’s music sparks conversations that shift culture.

Influence isn’t just about how many people watch you—it’s about how many people’s lives change because of you.

What Are You Building?

If you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone with a vision—ask yourself:

👉🏾 Are you chasing attention, or are you building real influence?

👉🏾 Are you creating something that will still matter in 10 years?

👉🏾 Are you making an impact, or just making noise?

🔥 Trends fade. Algorithms change. But impact remains.

The question isn’t whether people are watching—it’s what they’ll remember when the moment is over.

As we reflect on what it means to build influence that outlasts trends, I can’t help but think of Sheryl Lee Ralph’s unforgettable performance of “Endangered Species” at the Emmys.

Standing on that stage, she didn’t just sing—she embodied the legacy of every Black woman who dared to dream bigger, push further, and demand her place.

Influence isn’t about who’s watching today—it’s about what echoes long after the moment ends. Watch her performance and ask yourself: What will your impact be?

🎥 Watch Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Emmy Performance Here

💬 Who is someone—past or present—who has influenced you in a way that truly mattered? Drop their name in the comments and share how they’ve shaped your journey!

#Leadership #BlackExcellence #CulturalImpact #LegacyBuilding #Influence #DreamSzn #TaylordForMore